NPR News Now: 11-16-2025 4PM EST

Date: November 16, 2025
Host: Amy Held (with reporting from Eva Pukach, Kat Lansdorf, Ryan Hass)
Runtime: 5 Minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major global and national headlines from the afternoon of November 16, 2025. Topics include U.S. military movements in the Caribbean, controversial federal immigration action in Charlotte, presidential pardons related to January 6th, Israeli-Palestinian developments, sports and cultural news, and an extraordinary discovery in arachnology.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean and Venezuela Tensions

[00:16–01:33]

• The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in the Caribbean, bringing approximately 4,000 sailors to join thousands of U.S. service members already positioned in the region.
• The Trump administration frames the buildup as a fight against "narco terrorism," with military exercises planned.
• Speculation continues over whether the U.S. military might intervene in Venezuela, as pressure mounts on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
• Maduro, at a rally in Caracas, calls for peace—using John Lennon's "Imagine" as a symbolic gesture.
• The U.S. maintains a hardline approach to Maduro, reiterating an outstanding $50 million reward for his arrest.

Notable Quote:

• "It is not clear whether the military will be used against Venezuela, but pressure on Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, is growing." — Amy Held [00:35]

2. Immigration Enforcement Surge in Charlotte

[00:39–01:33]

• Day two of a large-scale federal immigration operation in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is opposed by state and local officials.
• 81 individuals were arrested in the first day, with detentions occurring at varied public locations, including churches, supermarkets, and workplaces.
• Charlotte’s Democratic mayor criticizes the operation for "causing unnecessary fear."

Notable Quote:

• "Charlotte's Democratic mayor says the operation is causing unnecessary fear." — Amy Held [01:10]

3. Trump Issues More January 6th Pardons

[01:34–02:17] | Reporter: Eva Pukach

• Former President Trump issues a second pardon to Daniel Edward Wilson, previously convicted for his role in the January 6th attacks and a separate firearms offense. Wilson is now released from a five-year prison sentence.
• Suzanne Ellen Kay, also pardoned, had served 18 months for threatening to shoot FBI agents investigating her connections to the Capitol attack.

Notable Quote:

• "Wilson had already been pardoned for his actions on January 6, 2021... but had remained behind bars... After the second pardon, he was released from prison." — Eva Pukach [01:40]

4. Israeli Leaders Oppose Palestinian Statehood

[02:18–03:12] | Reporter: Kat Lansdorf

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restates his government's firm opposition to any Palestinian state, despite mounting international discussion.
• The UN Security Council prepares to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution for an international stabilization force in Gaza—part of President Trump’s recent 20-point plan.
• Some international partners want the resolution to leave the door open for Palestinian statehood, a stance opposed by many in Israel who claim statehood would "reward" Hamas.

Notable Quote:

• "Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed whatsoever." — Benjamin Netanyahu (via Kat Lansdorf) [02:37]

5. Sports: Jannik Sinner Triumphs at ATP Finals

[03:13–03:27]

• Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner defeats world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals, capping off an unbeaten run and earning over $5 million.
• Sinner’s victory adds to recent Grand Slam wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

6. Remembering Singer Todd Snyder

[03:28–04:16] | Reporter: Ryan Hass

• Todd Snyder, influential Nashville-based artist and prominent alternative country figure, dies at 59 following hospitalization for pneumonia.
• Known for his "lyrical prowess and wit," Snyder spent much of his career touring.
• Fans and his record label pay tribute, urging others to play his music at full volume.

Memorable Moment:

• Snyder’s lyrics:
  "You'll have your fun when you're a millionaire. Imagine all the fun you have in some old rocking chair." — Todd Snyder [04:06]

Label’s Encouragement:

• "Celebrate his life by turning on one of his records, quote, loud enough to wake up all of your neighbors." — Ryan Hass [04:16]

7. Science Feature: World’s Largest Spider Web Discovered

[04:28–04:56]

• Researchers discover what is believed to be the world’s largest spider web—over 1,100 square feet—in a sulfur-rich cave on the Albania-Greece border.
• Tens of thousands of spiders from two species cohabit the expansive web—a rare example of group living among spider species.

Notable Quote:

• "This story has legs in multiples of eight." — Amy Held [04:28]

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Amy Held [00:35]:
  "It is not clear whether the military will be used against Venezuela, but pressure on Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, is growing."

• Eva Pukach [01:40]:
  "Wilson had already been pardoned for his actions on January 6, 2021… After the second pardon, he was released from prison."

• Kat Lansdorf quoting Netanyahu [02:37]:
  "Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed whatsoever."

• Todd Snyder [04:06]:
  "You'll have your fun when you're a millionaire. Imagine all the fun you have in some old rocking chair."

• Ryan Hass [04:16]:
  "[His record label] encouraged fans to celebrate his life by turning on one of his records, quote, loud enough to wake up all of your neighbors."

• Amy Held [04:28]:
  "This story has legs in multiples of eight."

Timeline of Main Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | U.S. Caribbean deployment & Venezuela tensions | | 00:39 | Federal immigration surge in Charlotte | | 01:34 | Trump pardons connected to January 6th | | 02:18 | Israeli opposition to Palestinian statehood | | 03:13 | Jannik Sinner’s ATP Finals victory | | 03:28 | Todd Snyder’s death & musical legacy | | 04:28 | Discovery of the world’s largest spider web |

This episode swiftly covers major developments in global politics, U.S. domestic affairs, sports, arts, and science, providing succinct updates and memorable moments, reflective of NPR's signature clarity and breadth.